The location of Safford, Arizona, in the United States, offers a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 32.8273, -109.6266, this area experiences substantial sunlight exposure across all seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Safford varies by season, with spring and summer being the most productive periods. In spring, solar panels can generate an impressive 7.98 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Summer follows closely with 7.67 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.54 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 4.29 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Safford, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 29-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Safford's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and dirt accumulation: The arid climate can lead to dust buildup on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency. 2. High temperatures: Extreme heat during summer months may slightly decrease panel efficiency. To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be scheduled. Additionally, installing panels with a slight tilt can help prevent dust accumulation and allow for natural cleaning during occasional rainfalls.

Weather Patterns

Safford experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area receives ample sunshine throughout the year, making it an excellent location for solar energy production. However, occasional summer monsoons and winter storms may temporarily reduce solar output. To address these weather-related challenges, consider installing a robust mounting system capable of withstanding strong winds. Additionally, implementing a monitoring system can help track panel performance and identify any weather-related issues promptly. In conclusion, Safford, Arizona, presents an ideal location for solar PV energy generation, with its abundant sunshine and favorable climate. By addressing minor environmental and weather-related challenges through proper installation and maintenance practices, solar energy systems in this area can achieve optimal performance year-round.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 4253 locations across the United States. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in the United States by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Safford

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.8273, Longitude: -109.6266 (Safford, United States), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 29° South in Safford, United States

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Safford, United States (Lat/Long 32.8273, -109.6266) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° South for fixed panel installations.

As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.

We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Safford, United States

If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Safford, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
17° South in Summer	38° South in Autumn	48° South in Winter	25° South in Spring

Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.

This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.

Calculate solar panel row spacing in Safford, United States

We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Safford, United States.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. Minimum Spacing:
   We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.

This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.

Topography for solar PV around Safford, United States

The topography around Safford, Arizona, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes vast desert plains, rolling hills, and dramatic mountain ranges. Situated in the Gila Valley of southeastern Arizona, Safford is surrounded by striking geological features that create a unique and picturesque environment. To the north of Safford, the Gila Mountains rise prominently, their rugged peaks and steep slopes dominating the horizon. These mountains are part of the larger Pinaleño Mountain range, which includes Mount Graham, the highest peak in the area at over 10,700 feet. The southern slopes of these mountains gradually descend into the valley where Safford is located. South of Safford, the landscape transitions into a more open and relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Sonoran Desert, characterized by its arid climate and sparse vegetation. The desert floor is punctuated by occasional small hills and dry washes, creating a gently undulating surface. To the east and west of Safford, the topography is a mix of desert plains and low-lying hills. These areas feature a combination of rocky outcrops, sandy expanses, and scattered vegetation typical of the desert Southwest.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

The regions surrounding Safford offer several promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suitable areas would be the flat or gently sloping desert plains to the south and southeast of the city. These locations provide ideal conditions for solar energy production due to their expansive, unobstructed terrain and high levels of solar irradiance. The open desert areas between Safford and the nearby town of Thatcher would be particularly well-suited for solar PV development. This region offers ample space for large arrays of solar panels, with minimal topographical obstacles that could cast shadows or interfere with panel placement. Additionally, the slightly elevated areas to the east and west of Safford could potentially be utilized for solar installations. While these locations may require some minor terrain modifications, they benefit from excellent sun exposure and proximity to existing infrastructure. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar development would need to consider factors beyond topography, such as proximity to transmission lines, environmental impact, and local zoning regulations. However, from a purely topographical standpoint, the desert plains surrounding Safford offer promising potential for significant solar energy production.

United States solar PV Stats as a country

United States ranks 2nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 95,209 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of United States's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 26th in the world). Each year United States is generating 289 Watts from solar PV per capita (United States ranks 15th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in United States?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the United States. These include federal tax credits, state and local rebates, net metering policies, and renewable energy certificates (RECs). Additionally, many states have enacted legislation that requires utilities to purchase a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources such as solar.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in United States? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential

The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.

However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.